County of Del Norte CalWORKs Plancdss.ca.gov/cdssweb/entres/wtw/pdf/Delnort1.pdfpage 6 was revised to reference the fact that the NorTEC Private Industry Council includes representation

COUNTY OF DEL NORTE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND SOCIAL SERVICES

Stephen D. Brohmcr, Director/Public Guardian Richard Mize M.D., Health Officer

February 6, 1998

Curtis Howard, \Velfare to \Vork Division California Department of Social Services 744 .P Street, MS 9-701 Sacramento, CA 95814

Subject: CalWORKs Plan Revisions for Del Norte County

Dear Mr. Howard:

Enclosed are the pages reflecting revisions made"for clarification as discussed with JimBrown during a conference call on January 23, 1998.

Mr. Brown indicated that the Plan must include a grievance procedure, and suggested that we request you to incorporate our current GAIN Grievance procedurt! in this plan. T have been unable to locate our wrinen procedure. If you have a copy, please fax it to me at (707) 465-1783. In this county recipients \vho have a grievance see their worker. If they do not come to an understandjng

> then further intervention is determined by the nature of the grievance.

For instance, if related to their required activity. they follow the appeal process, but if the nature of the complaint involves discrimination, or a personality conflict with the worker, the appropriate process would be follo\.ved. They might see the supervisor of the worker to file a Citizen's Complaint, or they might see the Civil Rights Coordinator and follow the discrimination complaint process.

The following pages are revised as follows:

page 6 was revised to reference the fact that the NorTEC Private Industry Council includes representation of Labor.

page 7 was revised to reflect planned inYolveme�t of Faith Communities.

page 1 f-12 were revised to include the criteria for establishing good cause for nonparticipation which will be utilized in cases involving mental health, drug and alcohol, and domestic violence.

- 880 Northcrcst Drj�·e • Crescent CitY. CA 95531 • (707) 464-3191 • Fax (707) 465..:1783

page 17 has been renumbered to page 18, and revised to establish criteria for determining exemption of parents for the first and subsequent fofants.

page 18 was renumbered to page 19 and revised to reflect early referral and transition from Stage I to Stage II, and subsequently to Stage Ill in order to achieve "seamless,, child care.

page 19 was renumbered to page 20 and revised to clarify that the mileage rate, when used to reimburse Cal\.VORKs participants, is the same as that used to reimburse county employees.

page 22 was renumbered to page 23 and revised to clarify that training in domestic violence will be provided by local Public Health Nursing staff and/or the Domestic Violence Coordinator.

page 23 was renumbered to page 24 and revised to identify specific issues which may result in good cause for non-participation by a Cal\VORK.s recipient who is a victim of domestic violence; and to make reference to page 11. which provides the criteria for determining mental stability of a victim of domestic violence.

page 30 was renumbered to page 31 and revised to reflect early referral and transition from Stage l to Stage II child care, and subsequently to Stage III child care in order to achieve "seamless" child care for those transitioning off aid.

page 33 was renumbered to page 34 and revised to reflect that Del Norte County will not participate in the Change Reporting Demonstration Project as the ISA vVS Consortium did :not submit an application on behalf of all ISA WS counties; and that we will participate upon CDSS evaluation of the project and subsequent statewide rollout.

page 39 was renumbered to page 40 and revised to add that the county will provide �-n amendment to the Community Cal\VOR.Ks Plan if the county decides to exercise the option to require single adults to participate 32 hour� per week instead of 26 hours per week sooner that July 1, 1999.

page 40 was renumbered and revised to reflect continued coordination and referral with the California Indian :t-.·Ianpower Consortium, Native American Employment \.Yorks (NE\V) Program in order to insure that CalWORKs recipients participating in the NEW Program meet the hours of participation required by the Community Cal\VORK.s Plan.

We look fonvard to formal approval of the Del Norte County Community CaJWORKs Plan. We are still on target for beginning enrollment. The first group is scheduled for

Orientation on Monday February 9, 1998.

You may contact me at (707) 464-3191 if you have further questions or need additional

information.

Del No.rte County Community Cal\VORKs Plan

(b) PARTNERSHIPS \VITH THE PRIVATE SECTOR TO IDENTIFY JOBS

Del Norte County has ongoing partnerships with the private· sector. We have many

cooperative agreements in place with local private employers for job training. We will

continue to work on an ongoing basis ,.-vith the North Coast Small Business Development

Center, the Chamber of Commerce, Del None Economic Development Council, Private·

Industry Council, and the newly formed Redv-:ood Economic Development Institute to

stimulate the local economic base to strengthen and create increased employment

opportunities.

Additionally, Del Norte County will implement a \Velfare-to-Work Demonstration

Project to more effectively serve highly distressed geographic areas, more effectively

serve hard-to-employ target populations, better meet local labor force demands, address

the needs of the Cal\VORK.S population and improve administration of program services

to recipients.

We will work closely with the local employment and training agencies - the local

Private Industry Council (advisory); NorTEC Private Industry Council Governing Body

(PIC/GB), which includes representation from Public and Private Sectors, Education,

Labor, and Community Based Organizations; the local JTPA agency; Rural Human

Services; the Employment Development Department; the Del Norte Career Center;

Northern California Indian Development Council; California Indian Manpower

Consortium; and the California State Deparunent of Rehabilitation. The local Faith

Organizations will be contacted to determine their level of participation in employment

and training activities.

6

Del Norte County Community CalWORK.s Plan

It is envisioned that the local service organizations and faith community clubs , such as

the Soroptimists, Kiwanis, Elks, and Knight of Columbus, will assist clients with the

transition from welfare to \Vork by providing support groups and one-on-one role-model

mentoring. The county will seek input from the Faith Community with regard to their

level of involvement in CalWORK.s activities.

The linkages of all these different employers, agencies, and groups shall assist with the

identification> acquisition and retention of unsubsidized jobs for CalWORKS recipients.

7

Del Norte County Community Cal\VORKs Plan

(e) SUBSTANCE ABUSE AND lVIENTAL HEALTH TREATMENT SERVICES

The Supportive Services Sub-Committee of the Community Cal\VORKs Planning Committee

defined roles and responsibilities of the Cal\VORK.s Service Coordination T earn relative to

Behavioral Health Services. Service deliYery to Cai\VORKs recipients who have mental health

or substance abuse problems, or who are victims of domestic violence will be provided an array

of services to meet the identified need as described below:

• Del Norte County certifies that the county's substance abuse treatment services will include

at least the following: evaluation, case management, substance abuse treatment, employment

counseling, and the provision of community service jobs.

• Below is a description of the objective criteria for Behavioral Health Services to determine

which Cal\VORK.s participants need to engage in mental health or alcohol and drug

treatment onlv and meet good cause for non-participation in other CalWORKs activities.

Criteria for determining whether good cause exists for non-participation are based on the

Diagnostic and Statistical 11anual for Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition. These include

diagnoses such as chronic and severe substance related disorders, and/or other severe major

mental disorders (schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders, mood disorders, anxiety

disorders, dissociative disorders, adjustment disorders) as well as significant psychosocial

environmental problems ( problems· with primary support group, problems related to the

social environment, educational problems, etc ... ).

A determination that good cause exists for non-participation from other Cal\VORKs

activities will be determined by a person receiving a score of 40 or below on the Global

Assessment of Functioning Scale.

lntensive services may include hospitali�tion, day rehabilitation services, residential drug

and alcohol treatment, and perinatal day rehabilitation services. Services are designed 'to

11

Del Norte County Community Cal\VORKs Plan

restore the individual to a level of functioning so they are capable of participating in other

Cal"\:\'ORKs activities.

Del Norte County certifies that the county will provide at least the following :Mental Health

services: assessment, case management, treatment and rehabilitation services, identification

of substance abuse problems, and a process for identifying indiYiduals with severe mental

disabilities.

12

Del Norte County Community Cal\VORK.s Plan

(g) CHILD CARE AND TR.\NSPORT.-\.TION SERVICES

Child Care

CalWORK.s projected need:

Based on information from the International Child Resource Institute feasibility Study, the

projected need is for the development of an additional 241 child care slots. \Vhile many of these

slots will be for the traditional M-F 8-6 work hours, some development of nonMtraditional hours

of service will have to take place.

Provision of child care needs:

Del Norte County will establish a payment system '\-vhich provides direct payments to the child

care provider. The county will contract \Vith the Alternative Payment Program (APP) through

the Del Norte Child Care Council (D)JCCC) for most of Stage I a:'1d all of Stage Il child care.

The D);CCC and the Del ):orte County Unified School District (D�'1JSD) will simultane0usly

apply for California Department of Education (CDE) funds to increase center based slots Home

based slots \.Vill increase due to stepped up training thro1:1gh Job Training Partnership Act (JTP A)

and DNCCC programs to increase those slots. Access to startup funds for home based care will

be through economic development funds.

Criteria for parent exemptions:

The standard exempt period fer a first child \.Yill be six months. Parents who choose to

participate in Cal\VORK.s "\vill have their exemption period shortened to a minimum twelve

weeks, as determined by the parent and case manager. A parent whose exempt period is

shortened will receive the full range of supportive services available. The exempt period of a

parent with her first child may be lengd1ened to a maximum of twelve months if it is determined

that child care is not available, that no job exists for the parent, or that it is in the best interest of

18

Del Norte County Community Ca1WORK.s Plan

best interest of the child.

Parents will be exempted from participation upon a subsequent birth for the standard twelve

weeks. This exempt period may be lengthened to a maximum of 6 months if it determined that

child care is not available, that no job exists for the parent, or that it is in the best interest of the

child.

Caretaker relatives of children with certifiable life-threatening illnesses or who are either a

dependent or ward of the court or at risk of placement in foster care if caretaking responsibilities

impairs employment will be exempted from participation.

Access to Resource and Referral Agency:

The DNCCC is the Resource & Referral (R&R) Agency for Del Norte County. The county and

the DNCCC will initially coordinate s1.vift communication for resource and referral services to

TANF parents. The county and the DNCCC are exploring the feasibility of co-location.

Consumer education training will be conducted by the R&R.

Families transitioning off aid:

·Upon enrollment in Cal\VORKs, a family will receive Stage 1 services. Once they have

demonstrated stability, they will be referred for Stage II. Prior to Stage 1 completion, a

transition plan will be arranged describing their new child care status and responsibilities. An

eligible family will be transferred from Stage II to a local CDE funded program as slots become

available in Stage III.

Transportation

Transportation services necessary for participation in an assigned CalWORK.s activity will begin

with assignment to a specific activity, for example, job search. Eligibility for transportation

se1vices ends when the participant reaches the 18 or 24 month Cal\VORKs eligibility period.

19

Del Norte County Commu1iity Cal\VORKs Plan

Transportation services are not required by AB 1542 for community service participants.

Transportation services will be provided to recipients whose activity is more than 2 miles round

trip from their home, and will be provided by vouchers or purchase orders where ever possible.

Transportation reimbursement will be limited to the lessor of the cost of public transportation jf

available, or the mileage rate used to reimburse county employees which is based on the federal

mileage reimbursement rate.

20


(i) '\VOR.Kf..t�G 'WITH VICTIMS OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE

Del Norte County will coordinate provision of services to CalWORKs recipients who are victims

of domestic vjolence with the local Domestic Violence Program. The program is administered

by Rurnl Human Services, a local private not-for-p�ofit agency. Services are provided at RHS

Harrington House, a shelter for battered women and children.

Training in domestic violence will be pro\.·ided to all staff who will be working with CalWORKs

recipients by local Public Health Nursing staff and/or the Domestic Violence Coordinator.

The Mission: To eliminate domestic violence as a barrier to sustained employment in Del

Norte County.

Until regulations are adopted by California Departrnent of Social Services in consultation wiL.11

the Task force on Domestic Violence established by the \Velfare-to-\Vork Act of 1997, the

county will utilize a coordination team approach to provision of services to victims of domestic

violence.

The Department of Health and Social Services will:

• Screen and identify domestic violence victims using a mutually agreed upon Referral and

Assessment Tool.

• Refer victims of domestic violence to RHS Harrington House for an assessment of risk.

• Refer victims of domestic violence to the local Mental Health Department for an assessment

of mental ability to participate in Cal\VORK.s activities.

RHS Harrington House will:

• Collaborate with the Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS) on screening and

referral protocols.

• Provide client assessment of DHSS referrals to identify domestic violence as a barrier to

23


sustained employment and to what degree participation in Cal\.VORK.s should be required.

• Provide an array of support services to eliminate domestic violence as a barrier to sustained

employment. Specific issues which may result in good cause for non-participation include,

but are not limited to, immediate safety, situational crisis, or a severe lack of self-esteem.

• Participate in the service coordination team providing reports and recommendations on

progress and outcomes of assessments and services.

The local i'v!ental HeaJth Department will:

• Collaborate with the bHSS on screening a,,.d referral protocols.

Provide client assessment of DHSS referrals to identify the mental stability of victims of

domestic violence and to what degree p2=.rticipation in Cal\VORKs should be required. See

section (e) on page 11 for a description cf the criteria for determining mental stability.

• Provide Mental Health services as needed to improve the mental stability of the recipient.

• Participate in the service coordination tea."11 providing reports and recommendations on

progress and outcomes of assessments aEd services.

24


(rn) ASSISTING FAI\:IILIES TRANSITIONING OFF AID


Del Norte County plans to assist families transiti�ning off aid due to time limits or due to

employment by providing referral to the Del Norte Child Care Council for child care services.

Upon enrollment in Cal\VORK.s, a family will receive Stage 1 services. Once they have

demonstrated stability, they will be referred for Stage II. Prior to Stage 1 completion, a

transition plan will be arranged describing their new child care status and responsibilities. An

eligible family will be transferred to a local CDE funded program as slots become available in

Stage III.

Limited counseling and case management sen·ices will be available for purposes of monitoring

job retention and/or barriers. Case management services wm include resource and referral to

appropriate agencies and support groups.

31


(o) OTHER :ELEMENTS

Demonstration Projects

I. Change Reporting Demonstration Project

Del Norte County recently converted from a manual system to the Interim Statewide ·welfare

System (ISAWS) and is currently part of the ISA\VS consortium. An application for

participation in the Change Reporting Demonstration Project (CRDP) was to be submitted by t.he

consortium on behalf of all of the ISA \VS counties. This did no occur.

The reporting and budgeting project required by the legislation under CalvVORKs specifies the

following:

• Counties will redetermine financial eligibility every six months.

• Counties will have the option of conducting a full eligibjlity redertermination annually.

• Recipients \-vill be required to report ch2:1ges in income or resources in excess of S75, and

any change in household composition, ·within 10 days after the change.

• Changes in the recipients' grant amounts will be made prospectively.

• Grant warrants will include an endorsement under penalty of perjury that all required

changes in income, resources, and house!10ld composition have been reported. The grant

warrant will be accompanied by notification of recipient reporting responsibilities.

Legislation requires the Director of California Department of Social Services to conduct an

evaluation after the first year and determine whether to continue, expand, or terminate the

project. If the Director determines that CRDP is cost-effective and administratively efficient, the

Director may implement the change reporting process statewide without further legislation. Del

Norte County will participate upon statewide rollout.

34

COUNTY GRIEVANCE PROCEDURE

001 PURPOSE STATEMENT

002 DEFINITIONS

This procedure is established in accordance with the

GAIN Regulations Section 42-720.34 and Section 42-787.3.

The County grievance process shall be available to GAIN

applicants/recipients when the sole issue is· whe:th"er::

a program requirement or assignment is in violation of '

the contract or inconsistent with the program. This

procedure shall not �e used to appeal the outcome of

a state hearing, the requirement to sign a basic contract,

or the results of an assessment made in accordance

with MPP Section 42-773 of the GAIN regulations.

The CWD shall address any complaints of discrimination

based on race, color, national origin, religion, political

affiliation, marital status, sex, age or handicap which

may arise through an applicant's/recipient's registration

for or participation in GAIN in accordance with the

provisions of MPP Division 21 - Nondiscrimination in

State and Federally Assisted Programs.

County Hearing Officer: The person designated by the

Director to. administer the GAIN County Formal Grievance

·Procedure.

,

Aid: For purposes of this proc'E:duref, aid shall include , .

Aid to-Families with Dependent Children (AFDC), the Food

Stamp Program (FS), the California.Medical assistance

Program (Medi-Cal), �ocial Ser�ice Programs and GAIN

Supportive Serivces.

··

Authorized Representative: The person authorized in

writing to the County Hearing officer to act for and

represent the Claimant at this hearing procedure and in

all issues involving the Claimant's hearing .

Claimant: The GAIN Applicant/Recipient who has filed

a Cou�ty Formal Grievance request.

County Board of Supervisors: Refers to Del Norte County

Board of Supervisors.

County Welfare Department (CWD): Refers to the Del Norte

County Department of Social Services.

Director: Refers to the Director of the Del Norte

County Department of Social Services r7sponsible for

administration of the GAIN Program.

CWD Representative: CWD Staff Supervisor administering

the GAIN Program.

Hearing: Refers to the County Formal Grievance prescribed

by MPP Section 42-720.34 and 42-787.3.

-27-

XII. cont.

003- HEARING AUTHORIZATION:

004 TIME LIMIT ON HEARING REQUEST/AID PAID

The County Board of ·supervisors.has assigned respon

sibility _for all Hearings to the Director. The Director

will assign a hearing officer from·the .CWD Administrative

Staff.

'

The Claimant shall file a written request for a hearing

within 30 days from the date of action of the agrieved

violation. The Clairaant shall be subject to sanctions

pending the outcome of the procedure, or any subsequent

appeal only if he/she fails to participate ·during to

period the Hearing procedure is being processed. If the

claimant continues to participate in the program during

the Hearing process, and wants to grieve a program

requirement with the program, or is in violation of the

contract, aid will be continued and the claimant shall

not be subject to sanctions.

If an individual has already unsucessfully ..

completed. the

formal conciliation under the Unemployment Insurance

Code section 5302 due to nonparticipation (MPP Section

42-781), and the individual wants to grieve a program

requirement or assignment at this time, only the county

formal grievance procedure and/or the State Hearing process

will be available. Aid will be continued_ only if the

-28-

The CWD representative shall inform�the Claimant of

his/her following rights:

to present evidence and question witnesses.

to receive a copy of the position statement from

the CWD not less than 2 working days prior to the date

of the scheduled hearing.

to receive a written decision on the hearing request

10 working days from the date of hearing.

to receive a written notice of the t�me and place

of the hearing not less than 7 days prior to the hearing.

to appeal the decision throught the State Hearing

procedure.

to be represented by an attorney or other authorized

representative.

to have access to all relevant documents- and information

in advance of the hearing.

The Hearing may be taped by the Claimant, Claimant's

Authorized Represe�tative or the Hearing Officer.·

-29-

individual begins to participate i? the program prior to

commencement of sanctions, and continues to participate

for the duration of the Hearing process.

If an individual files for a Hearing after the sanction

commences, the sanction will not be suspended.

005 CWD RESPONSIBILITIES

The CWD representative shall 1)·review the issues raised_

by the hearing request 2) review the statutes, rules,

regulations and policies as they apply to the CWD action

3) make a determination concerning the appropriateness

of the CWD action.

If the CWD action is incorrect, the CWD representative_

shall contact the Claimant to attempt to resolve the issue.

If the CWD representative determines the CWD action to

be correct, the CWD representative shall schedule a

hearing with the Hearing Officer within 30 days from the

date of receipt of the Hearing request.

The CWD representative shall prepare a CWD position

statement.

-30-

COUNTY OF DEL NORTE

DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND SOCIAL SERVICES Stephen D. Brohmer, Director/Public Guardian

Richard Mize M.D., Health Officer

Sincerely,

��4 Sally Smart, Program Manager

January 7, 1997

Curtis Howard, Welfare to Work Division California Department of Social Services 744 P Street, MS 9-701 Sacramento, CA 95814

Subject: CalWORKs Plan for Del Norte

Dear Mr. Howard:

Attached is the Cornrnunity CalWORK.s Plan for Del Norte County. The plan was submitted to the County Board of Supervisors for approval at a public hearing on December 30, 1997.

We are enclosing the plan on disk as well as hard copy. The plan was completed on Word 6, and the decision matrix on Excel.

We plan to begin enrolling cun-ent recipient into CalWORK.s on Febniary 1, 1998. If you have any questions or concerns regarding plan content please contact me at (707) 464-3191.

880 Northcrest Drive • Crescent City, CA 95531 • (707) 464-3191 • Fax (707) 465-1783

DEL NORTE COUNTY

Community CalWORK.s Plan

Date Submitted December 30, 1997

Stephen Brohmer, Director ***

Sally Smart, Program Manager Jeannine Galatioto, Staff Services Manager

**

and The Community CalWORK.s Committee

This plan is submitted pursuant to Section 10531 of the Welfare and Institutions Code required by The Welfare to Work Act of 1997, AB 1542.

EXECUTIVESU1\1MARY

On August 22, 1996 Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (T ANF) , the federal reform law,

was enacted. Governor Wilson signed Assembly Bill 1542 (AB 1542) on August 11, 1997.

AB 1542 eliminates the Greater Avenues for Independence (GAIN) and Aid to Families with

Dependent Children (AFDC) programs and replaces them with the California Work Opportunity

and Responsibility to Kids (CalWORKs). The new program provides temporary assistance and

supportive services to families with needy children, and provides counties flexibility in

designing a program that meets the needs of its community.

CalWORK.s represents a fundamental change in how we deal with poverty. AFDC was a

federal welfare program; TANF/CalWORKs eliminates the program and replaces it with a

funding stream. While some of the assumptions made in crafting this legislation are

questionable, it will enable and encourage some families to become self- supporting.

In Del Norte County the local stakeholders were identified and invited to participate in the

Community CalWORK.s Planning Committee. This committee formed sub-committees based on

areas of interest or expertise in order to review the requirements of CalWORKs and make

recommendations for those discretionary items in the bill. The committee and sub-committees

addressed the areas of employment and training, economic development, supportive services,

child care, community services, and change management.

The Department of Health and Social Services gratefully acknowledges the participation of the

individuals and organizations who were instrumental in the development of the Del Norte

County Community CalWORK.s Plan. We asked for, and received a tremendous amount of

participation and support. The committees demonstrated energy, creativity, and commitment to

the creation of a program for the enrichment of individuals and the community as a whole.

Del Norte County Community CalWORKs Plan

The goals and objectives of the local plan are:

• To promote and support families in the transition from welfare to work by: identifying

strengths, employment history, and available resources and customizing the individuals

welfare to work plan accordingly; addressing supportive service needs, and providing case

management services.

• To coordinate with public, private, and non-profit sectors in the provision of supportive

services, training and education, and job retention in order to maximize the community's

combined CalWORKs program fund availability.

• To meet the performance outcomes required by AB 1542.

• To continue to evaluate this plan and amend as necessary.

3

Del Nolie County Community CalWORK.s Plan

(Each of these elements should be on separate pages to facilitate the review process.)

Section 10531 of the Welfare and Institutions Code (WIC) requires each county to develop a plan that is consistent with state law and describes the full range of services available to move CalWORKs applicants and recipients from welfare-to-work. Subsections (a) through (q) set forth specific plan requirements which are addressed below. The CalWORK.s plan should not duplicate the planning processes which have already occurred within the county, rather it should incorporate other planning efforts where appropriate.

4


(a) COLLABORATION WITH PUBLIC AND PRIVATE AGENCIES TO PROVIDETRAINING AND SUPPORTIVE SERVICES

Del Norte County has involved the following agencies with the preparation of the county Welfare-to-Work Plan. We will continue to work with these public and/or private agencies to provide training and support services. These agencies include but are not limited to:

TRAINING AGENCIES • State of California, Department of Rehabilitation• Employment Development Department• Del Norte County Unified School District• Rural Human Services, Job Training Office/ Domestic Violence Program• Del Norte Career Center• Sunset Continuation High School• Redwood Coast Regional Center• Del Norte County Library• North Coast Small Business Corporation• Northern Rural Training & Employment Consortium (NoRTEC)• Goodwill Industries• College of the Redwoods, Del Norte Branch

SUPPORTIVE SERVICES

• Del Norte County Probation• Area 1 Agency on Aging• Rural Human Services, Literacy Program• Harrington House• Rural Human Services, Food Bank• Del Norte Community Health• Humboldt/Del Norte Headstart• Del Norte Transportation Commission• Del Norte Child Care Council• Yurok Tribe• Smith River Rancheria• Crescent City Housing Authority• Del Norte County, Mental Health - Drug and Alcohol Services• Del Norte County, DA Family Support

Del Norte County does not have a significant refugee population. The county will not have a Refugee Employment Services Plan.

5


(b) PARTNERSHIPS WITH THE PRIVATE SECTOR TO IDENTIFY JOBS

Del Norte County has ongoing partnerships with the private sector. We have many

cooperative agreements in place with local private employers for job training. We will

continue to work on an ongoing basis with the North Coast Small Business Development

Center, the Chamber of Commerce, Del Norte Economic Development Council, Private

Industry Council, and the newly formed Redwood Economic Development Institute to

stimulate the local economic base to strengthen and create increased employment

opportunities.

Additionally, Del Norte County will implement a Welfare-to-Work Demonstration

Project to more effectively serve highly distressed geographic areas, more effectively

serve hard-to-employ target populations, better meet local labor force demands, address

the needs of the CalWORKS population and improve administration of program services

to recipients.

We will work closely with the local employment and training agencies - the local

Private Industry Council; NorTEC; the local JTPA agency; Rural Human Services; the

Employment Development Department; the Del Norte Career Center; Northern

California Indian Development Council; California Indian Manpower Consortium; and

the California State Department of Rehabilitation.

It is envisioned that the local service organizations and faith community clubs , such as

the Soroptimists, Kiwanis, Elks, and Knight of Columbus, will assist clients with the

transition from welfare to work by providing support groups and one-on-one role-model

mentoring.

6


The linkages of all these different employers, agencies, and groups shall assist with the

identification, acquisition and retention of unsubsidized jobs for CalWORKS recipients.

7


( c) LOCAL LABOR MARKET NEEDS

The Employment Development Department (EDD) provides local labor market information.

That department's California Cooperative Occupation Information System (CCOIS) recently

expanded their research and analysis of employer needs into Del Norte County. CalWORK.s

planners will utilize the collected data and have the services of a CCOIS research analyst.

Recent figures released by the Employment Development Department, Labor Market Research

Division, Sacramento, California reveal the following:

• Del Norte County, Unemployment Rate 10.1% - October 1997

• California, Unemployment Rate 6.0% - October 1997

• United States, Unemployment Rate 4.4% - October 1997

The main employers of Del Norte County consist of:

a) Pelican Bay State Prison

b) Del Norte County Unified School District

c) Del Norte County

d) Sutter Coast Hospital

The primary jobs available in the Del Norte County area consist of low-paying seasonal

employment jobs related to the tourist industry, such as grocery checkers, and waitresses.

8

(d) WELFARE-TO-WORK ACTIVITIES

Del Norte County certifies it will not require job search and work experience of participants to

the exclusion of a range of activities to be offered to recipients.

The county will provide a range of services adequate to insure that each participant has access to

needed activities and services to assist him or her in seeking unsubsidized employment.

Del Norte County will assign CalWORKs recipients to one or more of the Welfare-to-Work

components following unsuccessful completion of the mandatory up-front Job Search activities

and subsequent assessment:

✓ ✓ Unsubsidized employment Work study

✓ ✓ Subsidized private sector employment Self-employment

✓ ✓ Subsidized public sector employment Community service

✓ ✓ Work experience Job search and job readiness assistance

✓ ✓ On-the-job training Job skills training directly related to employment

✓ ✓ Vocational education and training Transitional employment

✓ ✓ Education directly related to employment Other : ✓Parenting Workshops

✓Life Skills Instruction

✓ Adult basic education (includes basic education, GED, and ESL)

Additional activities such as Parenting Workshops or Life Skills Instruction may be available to

assist individuals on an as-needed basis if it is determined_that it will assist the recipient in

obtaining unsubsidized employment.


Grant-based on-the-job training and Supported Work will not be offered in the first year of

CalWORK.s implementation, but may be offered at a later date if it is determined that sufficient

resources and supportive services are available.

10

(e) SUBSTANCE ABUSE AND MENTAL HEALTH TREATMENT SERVICES

The Supportive Services Sub-Committee of the Community CalWORK.s Planning Committee

defined roles and responsibilities of the CalWORK.s Service Coordination Team relative to

Behavioral Health Services. Service delivery to CalWORK.s recipients who have mental health

or substance abuse problems, or who are victims of domestic violence will be provided an array

of services to meet the identified need as described below:

Del Norte County certifies that the county's substance abuse treatment services will include at

least the following: evaluation, case management, substance abuse treatment, employment

counseling, and the provision of community service jobs.

Del Norte County certifies that the county will provide at least the following Mental Health

services: assessment, case management, treatment and rehabilitation services, identification of

substance abuse problems, and a process for identifying individuals with severe mental

disabilities.


MISSION:

CAL WORKS

BEHAVIORAL HEAL TH SERVICES

(Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services)

Job Readiness

Sustainable Employment

Self Sufficiency

BEIIA VIORAL HEALTH ROLE:

1. Collaborate with DHSS on screening and referral protocols.

2. Provide behavioral health assessment on DHSS referrals to identify mental health

and substance abuse barriers to employment.

3. Provide an array of behavioral health services and supports to eliminate mental

health and substance abuse barriers to employment.

4. Participate in the service coordination team providing reports and

recommendations on progress and outcomes of assessments and services.

12


DEL NORTE COUNTY SERVICE COORDINATION TEAMS

ROLES AND FUNCTION

APPRAISAL REVIEW

-EMPLOYMENT HISTORY -ORIENTATION

-JOB SKILLS -DIVERSION-INTERESTS/APTITUDES/GOALS -EDUCATION-BARRIERS -IMMUNIZATION-DOMESTIC VIOLENCE -CHILD CARE-FAMILY SUPPORT -COOPERATION-EXEMPTION -REFERRAL TO OTHER AGENCIES

ASSESSMENT AND PLANNING

-REVIEW STRENGTHS, SKILLS, GOALS-EVALUATE BARRIERS IDENTIFIED IN APPRAISAL REVIEW(Note: includes referrals to health, mental health, drug and alcohol for assessmentand treatment recommendations when health, mental health, domestic violence orsubstance abuse barriers are identified)

-CONSIDER EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES IN THE COMMUNITY-DEVELOP PLAN FOR SUSTAINABLE EMPLOYMENT-(Individual Family

Plan)-Specific Goal(s)-Job Placement, training, community service activities-Barrier elimination services and supports-Identifies roles and responsibilities for all involved

PLAN IMPLEMENTATION

-MONITORS AND REVISES PLANS AS NEEDEDEMPLOYMENT

-MAY PROVIDE CASE MANAGEMENT AND SUPPORT SERVICES UP TO

13


ONE YEAR OR UNTIL SUSTAINED EMPLOYMENT ACHIEVED

14

Del 1�orte County Community CalWORKs Plan

DEL NORTE COUNTY SERVICE COORDINATION TEAMS

MEMBERS AND TASKS

• DEPT. OF HEALTH AND SOCIAL SERVICES: Department of Health andSocial Services has lead role in the development and monitoring of the welfare towork plan. One of the initial tasks is to identify possible barriers to employmentin the areas of child care, housing, transportation, health insurance, medicalneeds, legal (such as court appearances), child abuse/neglect, school attendance,

job training and language. DHSS works with public and private agencies toidentify and eliminate barriers to employment.

• DEPT. OF lVIENTAL HEALTH, ALCOHOL AND DRUG: Collaborates withSocial Services and takes lead on assessment and treatment needs for mentalhealth and substance abuse barriers

• PUBLIC HEALTH: collaborates with DHSS to provide and verifyimmunizations.

• RURAL HUMAN SERVICES: collaborates with DHSS and takeslead on assessment and referral for domestic violence barriers.

SERVICE TEAM ROLE & FUNCTION

• REVIEWS APPRAISAL

• CONDUCTS FAMILY ASSESSlVIENT

• DEVELOPS INDIVIDUAL FAMILY PLAN -If notjob ready within 120days, refers to employment training or community services. If not job ready, family is linked to needed services and support.

• MONITORS INDIVIDUAL FAMJL Y PLAN & IMPLEMENTATION

• PROVIDE CASE MANAGElVIENT & NEEDED SUPPORT SERVICES DURING

FIRST YEAR OF ElVIPLOYMENT TO PROMOTE SUSTAINED EMPLOYMENT

15


(f) MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES AVAILABLE AFTER TllVlE LIMITS

Those CalWORKs recipients who have exceeded the 18 or 24 month time limit and are eligible

for "Specialty Mental Health Services" will receive those services consistent with those currently

eligible for those services.

The CalWORKs case manager will notify the local Mental Health Department of changes in

eligibility for CalWORK.s services in order to insure that clients in need of service have access

through ongoing medical assistance as available, provided that the services are covered as a

reimbursable cost through Medi-Cal or the County Medical Services Program_(CMSP).

16


(g) CHILD CARE AND TRANSPORTATION SERVICES

Child Care

CalWOR.Ks projected need:

Based on information from the International Child Resource Institute Feasibility Study, the

projected need is for the development of an additional 241 child care slots. While many of these

slots will be for the traditional M-F 8-6 work hours, some development of non-traditional hours

of service will have to take place.

Provision of child care needs:

Del Norte County will establish a payment system which provides direct payments to the child

care provider. The county will contract with the Alternative Payment Program (APP) through

the Del Norte Child Care Council (DNCCC) for most of Stage I and all of Stage II child care.

The DNCCC and the Del Norte County Unified School District (DNUSD) will simultaneously

apply for California Department of Education (CDE) funds to increase center based slots. Home

based slots will increase due to stepped up training through Job Training Partnership Act (JTP A)

and DNCCC programs to increase those slots. Access to startup funds for home based care will

be through economic development funds.

Criteria for parent exemptions:

First consideration will be given to single mothers in a household with a child 12 months and

under. These single parents who choose to participate in CalWORK.s will receive the full range

of supportive services available. Parents will be exempted from participation upon a subsequent

birth for the first 6 months unless the parent chooses to participate. Depending on availability of

child care and jobs, exemptions may be modified in future plan updates.


17



dependent or ward of the court or at risk of placement in foster care if caretaking responsibilities

impairs employment will be exempted from participation.

Access to Resource and Referral Agency:

The DNCCC is the Resource & Referral (R&R) Agency for Del Norte County. The county and

the DNCCC will initially coordinate swift communication for resource and referral services to

TANF parents. The county and the DNCCC are exploring the feasibility of co-location.

Consumer education training will be conducted by the R&R.


Upon enrollment in CalWORK.s, a family will receive Stage 1 services. Once they have

completed Stage 1 or have demonstrated stability, they will be placed on the waiting list for

Stage IL Prior to Stage 1 completion, a transition plan will be arranged describing their new

child care status and responsibilities. Once eligibility for Stage II has expired, an eligible family

will be transferred to a local CDE funded program.

Transportation

Transportation services necessary for participation in an assigned CalWORK.s activity will begin

with assignment to a specific activity, for example, job search. Eligibility for transportation

services ends when the participant reaches the 18 or 24 month CalWORK.s eligibility period.

Transportation services are not required by AB 1542 for community service participants.

Transportation services will be provided to recipients whose activity is more than 2 miles round

trip from their home, and will be provided by vouchers or purchase orders where ever possible.

Transportat!on reimbursement will be limited to the lessor of the cost of public transportation if

18


available, or the county mileage rate based on the federal mileage reimbursement rate.

(h) COl\til\fUNITY SERVICE PLAN

The Del Norte County Cal-works Community Service Sub-Committee consisted of individuals

from various county and tribal agencies in the area. The group met on a biweekly basis and

discussed all aspects of community service. The committee will meet regularly to implement

community service activities.

Community service activities will be established for individuals who continue to meet eligibility

criteria for aid, but who cannot find unsubsidized private sector employment after participating

in the CalWorks Program for the 18/24 month time limits, as certified by the county, and who

are fully cooperating with program requirements. Community service activities are by nature

intended to be temporary, allowing a participant to obtain skills the may lead to unsubsidized

employment, while giving the participant the self satisfaction of giving something of value back

to the community.

The county may require participation by individuals who have received aid for less than 18

months as a concurrent activity if necessary to insure that the individual is able to meet the

required hours of participation.

Child care services will be available for participants in a community service activity.

The committee is currently exploring the feasibility of using tribal lands for greenhouses

proposed for construction by the Economic Development Sub-Committee. The Greenhouse

project will be utilized for training of recipients in skills that can lead to employment. The three

outlying areas for potential community service project sites were Gasquet, Smith River, and

K}-amath, California. These sites were chosen due to the number of recipients living in those

19


areas who might otherwise be unable to participate in CalWORK.s due to a lack of

transportation.

Coordination will occur with the Del Norte Unified School District ROP Program for provision

of training and construction of the facility. The Northern California Indian Development

Council (NCIDC) will assist by writing a grant for funding to pay for supervision.

The Smith River Rancheria tribal council is working on increasing their land base, and may be

interested in providing land for a community service project in the future.

Commitments From Public & Private Non-Profit Sectors:

Del Norte County Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS) will be the lead agency in

establishing MOU' s with public and private non-profit agencies who wish to participate in the

CalWorks Community Service activities. Community service projects that will be given

consideration will include those that will enhance the community, such as maintenance and

restoration work on public lands, or new projects intended to beautify the community.

MOUs will include community service participant job descriptions, duties, responsibilities, rate

of contract hours upon completion of work experience activities.

Referral, Monitoring, & Supervision

DHSS will coordinate the community service referrals and activities with the Job Training

Partnership Act Program, the Del Norte Career Center, and the local Department of Mental

Health.

20


Case management services and monitoring will be provided by the CalWORK.s case manager.

Supervision will be provided by the organization consistent with the job classification.

21


(i) WORKJNG WITH VICTilVIS OF DO:MESTIC VIOLENCE

Del Norte County will coordinate provision of services to CalWORKs recipients who are victims

of domestic violence with the local Domestic Violence Program. The program is administered

by Rural Human Services, a local private not-for-profit agency. Services are provided at RHS

Harrington House, a shelter for battered women and children.

Training in domestic violence will be provided to all staff who will be working with CalWORKs

recipients.

The Mission: To eliminate domestic violence as a barrier to sustained employment in Del

Norte County.

Until regulations are adopted by California Department of Social Services in consultation with

the Task force on Domestic Violence established by the Welfare-to-Work Act of 1997, the

county will utilize a coordination team approach to provision of services to victims of domestic

violence.

The Department of Health and Social Services will:

• Screen and identify domestic violence victims using a mutually agreed upon Referral and

Assessment Tool.

• Refer victims of domestic violence to RHS Harrington House for an assessment of risk.

• Refer victims of domestic violence to the local Mental Health Department for an assessment

of mental ability to participate in CalWORKs activities.

RHS Harrington House will:

• Collaborate with the Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS) on screening and

referral protocols.

• Provide client assessment of DHSS referrals to identify domestic violence as a barrier to

22

Del Norte County Community CalWdRKs Plan

sustained employment and to what degree participation in CalWORKs should be required.

• Provide an array of support services to eliminate domestic violence as a barrier to sustained

employment.



The local Mental Health Department will:

• Collaborate with the DHSS on screening and referral protocols.

• Provide client assessment of DHSS referrals to identify the mental stability of victims of

domestic violence and to what degree participation in CalWORKs should be required.

• Provide Mental Health services as needed to improve the mental stability of the recipient.



23


G) PERFORMANCE OUTCOlVIES TO MEET LOCALLY ESTABLISHED

OBJECTIVES

Del Norte County has not identified specific local program outcome objectives not already

established by AB 1542. Performance outcomes to be monitored will include:

Success of welfare-to-work, including the rate of movement to employment, earnings for

CalWORK.s recipients and those who have left the CalWORK.s program, and job retention rates.

This shall include the extent to which recipients have obtained unsubsidized employment in each

of their years on aid.

Rates of child support payment and collection.

Child well-being, including entries into foster care, at-risk births, school achievement, child

poverty, and child abuse reports.

Changes in the demand for general assistance.

Supply, demand, and utilization of support services by CalWORK.s recipients, including child

care, transportation, mental health services, and substance abuse treatment.

The number of identified families affected by domestic violence.

The methods of gathering and analyzing the pertinent data necessary to monitor these measures

will be dependent upon the creation of the statewide measures and discussion at the local level.

24


Should future collaborative efforts result in the development of any additional performance

outcomes, they will be included in future plan updates.

25


(k) PUBLIC INPUT TO THE COUNTY PLAN

On August 11, 1997 Assembly Bill 1542 was signed into law enacting the California Work

Opportunity and Responsibility to Kids (CafWORKs) Program, replacing the former Aid to

Families with Dependent Children (AFDC) and Greater Avenues for Independence (GAIN)

Programs.

Del Norte County Department of Health and Social Services identified all of the local

stakeholders and invited them to participate in the Community CalWORKs Planning Committee.

A public organizational meeting was held on September 3, 1997. A presentation was made

which included an opening statement by the director, a review of client demographics, and a

review of the milestones to be achieved during the planning and implementation of CalWORKs.

This was followed by a summary of the planning process.

The stakeholders broke into 5 sub-committees as follows:

• Child Care

• Community Service

• Economic Development

• Employment/Education/Training

• Supportive Services - which included Mental Health/Substance Abuse , Transportation, DA

Family Support, Probation, and Domestic Violence program representatives

26


Each sub-committee scheduled a series of working meetings alternating with full committee

meetings for the purpose of sharing progress and obtaining feedback. Each sub-committee was

provided a summary of the CalWORKs bill and a decision matrix to be used as a working tool.

The decision matrix was designed to keep each sub-committee focused on its' scope of

responsibility for making recommendations for inclusion in the County Community CalWORK.s

Plan. Most committee members served on more than one committee, spending a lot of

volunteer time and juggling some schedules in order to meet the goals of each committee.

The Committees provided verbal and written input which is included in the Plan. The committee

process was invaluable for generating community energy, interest and commitment to develop a

plan which takes into consideration the needs and resources of the community as a whole.

The Economic Development Sub-Committee will continue to meet as the County Job Creation

Task Force, the purpose of which is to identify needs, research and develop training projects,

and encourage economic growth.

The Child Care Committee members continue to meet in order to address the implementation of

new and expansion of current child care programs.

A client survey was conducted to determine barriers to employment. This information supported

the development of a client flow assessment, for the projection of need for supportive services

and specific Welfare-to-Work components.

An In-House Change Management Sub-Committee convened upon receipt of the All County

Letters and Instructions for implementation from California Department of Social Services

(CDSS). This committee was tasked the responsibility of reviewing the recommendations of all

27


of the committees and developing the in-house procedures, forms, and providing staff training.

Del Norte County recently converted from a manual system of delivery of benefits to the

Interim Statewide Automated System (ISA WS). Critical to planning and implementation is

coordination with ISA WS technical support to determine specific ISA WS enhancements for the

eligibility and grant computation elements.

Del Norte County Department of Health and Social Services gratefully acknowledges the

participation of the individuals and organizations in the development of this plan. See following

rosters of the Community CalWORKs Planning Committee, CalWORK.s Sub-Committees, and

In-House Change Management Committee.

28


(I) SOURCE AND EXPENDITURES OF FUNDS

See attached budget projection for Del Norte County

29


(m) ASSISTING FAMILIES TRANSITIONING OFF AID


Del Norte County plans to assist families transitioning off aid due to time limits or due to

employment by providing referral to the Del Norte Child Care Council for child care services.

Upon enrollment in CalWORK.s, a family will be receive Stage 1 services. Once they have

completed Stage 1 or have demonstrated stability, they will be placed on the waiting list for

Stage II. Prior to Stage 1 completion, a transition plan will be arranged describing their new

child care status and responsibilities. Once eligibility for Stage II has expired, an eligible family

will be transferred to a local CDE funded program.

Limited counseling and case management services will be available for purposes of monitoring

job retention and/or barriers. Case management services will include resource and referral to

appropriate agencies and support groups.

30


(n) JOB CREATION

Del Norte County is applying to the Job Creation Investment Fund for job creation funding. The

county anticipates receipt of approximately $52,081.

The Economic Development Sub-Committee of the CalWORK.s Community Planning

Committee was tasked the responsibility for determining the feasibility of participation in

demonstration projects and submitting the appropriate requests for approval. The sub-committee

has developed strategies for job creation within the county in order to meet the needs of

CalWORK.s recipients.

The committee has recommended that the county provide Grant-based on-the-job training (OJT).

Grant-based OJT is like the former Grant Diversion allowed for in the GAIN Program, which

proved an administrative nightmare for those counties attempting to implement it. The county

will implement CalWORK.s for Fiscal Year 1997/98 without attempting to include the Grant

based OJT component. The component may be offered at a later date if it is determined that

sufficient resources and supportive services are available.

The sub-committee will continue to meet as the Job Creation Task Force. The purpose of the

Task Force is to identify needs, research and develop training projects, and encourage economic

growth. CalWORK.s staff will work with the Task Force in preparing CalWORK.s participants

in the skills needed by local employers. The Task Force will have primary responsibility for

identifying how funding received from the Job Creation Investment Fund will be utilized to the

best advantage of CalWORK.s recipients and the county as a whole.

Del Norte County recently established the position of Economic Development Coordinator.

31


CalWORKs administrators will be working closely with the coordinator to provide the most up

to date information available to CalWORKs participants, staff, trainers and to employers.

32


( o) OTHER ELEMENTS

Demonstration Projects

I. Change Reporting Demonstration Project

Del Norte County recently converted from a manual system to the Interim Statewide Welfare

System (ISAWS) and is currently part of the !SAWS consortium. An application for

participation in the Change Reporting Demonstration Project (CRDP) will be submitted by the

cons01iium on behalf of all of the ISA WS counties.

The reporting and budgeting project required by the legislation under CalWORKs specifies the

following:

• Counties will redetermine financial eligibility every six months.

• Counties will have the option of conducting a full eligibility redertermination annually.

• Recipients will be required to report changes in income or resources in excess of $75, and

any change in household composition, within 10 days after the change.

• Changes in the recipients' grant amounts will be made prospectively.

• Grant warrants will include an endorsement under penalty of perjury that all required

changes in income, resources, and household composition have been reported. The grant

warrant will be accompanied by notification of recipient reporting responsibilities.

CRDP may operate for up to three years. However, the legislation requires the Director of

California Department of Social Services to conduct an evaluation after the first year and

determine whether to continue, expand, or terminate the project. At any time after the first year,

if the Director determines that CRDP is cost-effective and administratively efficient, the Director

may implement the change reporting process statewide without further legislation.

33


II. Performance Based Demonstration Project

Del Norte County plans to implement a three-year performance-based CalWORKs

demonstration project to test alternative methods of service delivery designed to do any of, but

not limited to, the following:

(I) More effectively serve highly distressed geographic areas.

(2) More effectively serve hard-to-employ target populations.

(3) Better meet local labor force demands.

( 4) Address the needs of the CalWORKs population

(5) Improve administration of program services to clients.

The demonstration project will promote cross-agency collaboration within the county in order to

reduce duplication and fragmentation of services, serve CalWORK.s families in a comprehensive

fashion, and increase the self-sufficiency and well-being of CalWORK.s families. The Del Norte

County Department of Health and Social Services will coordinate the use of welfare-to-work

grant funds and work with local agencies, businesses and non-profits to include a range of

services designed to assist recipients to achieve employment and the supportive services

necessary for clients to achieve self-sufficiency, which at a minimum shall include child care,

transportation, mental health treatment, and substance abuse treatment.

The proposal will be developed with participation by representatives of all the stakeholders who

will potentially be affected by the project, including representatives of CalWORK.s recipients,

service providers, and all relevant local government agencies. The county will secure agreement

from all parties who will be involved in implementing the project.

34


The Del Norte County Board of Supervisors will apply to the Director of California Department

of Social Services for approval of its demonstration project. Within the application to the

director, the county will identify the specific goals of the project, how we plan to attain those

goals, and the evaluation methodology and funding source that will be used to evaluate the

extent to which the goals are attained.

The project will meet the intent of the Legislature that each demonstration project test different

types of alternative service delivery or serve different types of populations.

The county will help develop an evaluation of the program and assist the department in ensuring

that the county demonstration project is independently and rigorously evaluated.

The county shall abide by all audit requirements necessary to ensure compliance with federal

law.

The county project will be consistent with the intent of state CalWORK.s law. The demonstration

project shall not be exempt from state law that governs eligibility. The county may supplement

grant levels established in state law, and may extend time limits, using county only funds.

The county's CalWORK.s demonstration project will not be exempt from state law that governs

any of the following:

(I) Dispute resolution procedures and penalties, including fair hearings.

(2) Recipient confidentiality.

(3) Child support collection.

(4) County contracting.

(5) Collective bargaining law and agreements.

(6) Civil service procedures.

35


(7) Fair labor standards.

(8) Displacement of current workers.

The demonstration project will not result in a diminution in the level of funding for services that

would be available if the project were not implemented.

Financial Incentives: The County Demonstration Project may include financial incentives for

participants.

Waivers: The County of Del Norte will not apply for any waivers under the Demonstration

Project.

ID. M[icroenterprise Demonstration Project

The County will partner with a Microenterprise assistance provider ( either a public agency or a

nonprofit agency meeting the requirements of Section 50l(c)(3) of the federal Internal Revenue

Code) or consortium of public and non-profit agencies to provide self-employment training,

technical assistance, and access to micro-loans to individuals seeking to become self-employed.

The demonstration project shall operate for three years.

The self-employment training shall include development of a viable business plan, assisting the

recipient to determine if self-employment is suitable to the recipient's aptitudes and family

dependent care obligations, marketing strategies, business location analysis, direct technical

assistance in the development of a Microenterprise, and other subjects as necessary to achieve

36


proficiency in basic business skills. The training shall include periodic assistance or case

management, as needed, for up to one year after the recipient's self-employment has

commenced.

A collaboration between the county Department of Social Services, including CalWORK.s

programs, and Microenterprise assistance providers has been formed, so the proposal to operate

a demonstration project will be jointly submitted by local Microenterprise service

providers/consortium and the county welfare department.

Local Microenterprise assistance providers participating in the pilot project shall have at least

two combined years' experience and demonstrated success in providing assistance to recipients

of CalWORKs benefits and other low-income individuals to create their own jobs through self

employment.

Microenterprise assistance providers seeking to administer a demonstration project under this

article will do so on a not-for-profit basis. The county shall seek to encourage financial

participation of private entities for purposes of including more individuals in its Microenterprise

demonstration project.

The Microenterprise project will operate under the guidelines in section 11155.3. of the Welfare

and Institutions code regarding increased flexibility to determine allowable business expenses

and income reporting periods in order to facilitate local Microenterprise development, maximize

opportunities for a family to become self-sufficient, and reduce paperwork processing by county

staff.

The County department of Social Services will track the participants in the Microenterprise

37


demonstration project for three years.

38

Documents

County of Del Norte CalWORKs Plancdss.ca.gov/cdssweb/entres/wtw/pdf/Delnort1.pdfpage 6 was revised to reference the fact that the NorTEC Private Industry Council includes representation